Ralph A. Bozzi, 94, a Federal Hill historian , passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Miriam Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Theresa (DeLuise) Bozzi. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Domenico and Maria (Iannuzzi) Bozzi.
His love for Federal Hill started the late 1920’s when he was a shopping boy for his large family. He knew every merchant by name. He was heavily involved in his father’s business, Bozzi’s Bakery, located on “ The Hill” and also attended every political affair he could, discussing and relating stories about his beloved Federal Hill. Anything you wanted to know about Federal Hill you only had to ask Ralph Bozzi.
Ralph was inducted into the Army during WWII serving with the 90th Field Artillery Unit of the 25th Division at Guadalcanal and throughout the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Italian American Historical Society, the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was an active member of the DaVinci Center, Hamilton House Center and the Salvatore Mancini Senior Center in North Providence. He was also a communicant of St. Edwards Church. He especially enjoyed dancing, singing and current affairs. He will be sadly missed.
He is survived by two sons, Ralph D. Bozzi and Walter A. Bozzi; two sisters, Sue Conti and Gloria Teolis; four grandchildren, Amanda, Adam and Erica Bozzi and Alison Zaya and two great grandchildren, Isabella and Julia Zaya. He was the brother of the late Raymond and Jimmy Bozzi, Gilda Ricci and Elma Gallo.
His funeral was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from the MACERONI Funeral Home in North Providence and was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston. He was laid to rest with Military Honors in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.